Congresswoman McDonald Rivet Co-Chairs Bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force in the 119th Congress

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) announced she will co-chair the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force in the 119th Congress along with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). 

“Our country needs to address the problems PFAS chemicals create head-on, which is why I’m proud to co-chair the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force with both Republicans and Democrats," said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. "We will work together to raise awareness of the risk of PFAS chemicals and advocate for commonsense solutions for our constituents.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are used in a wide array of products like firefighting foams, nonstick pans, food packaging, cosmetics, and fabrics. Some PFAs have harmful effects, and their widespread use has contaminated soil, surface water, groundwater, and food across the country.

The PFAS Task Force has brought Democrats and Republicans together to champion pragmatic legislative reforms and strong federal investments for cleanup efforts, all while ensuring the needs of impacted communities remain front and center. Over the next two years, the Task Force’s priorities include:

• Advancing comprehensive legislation to end harmful PFAS pollution;
• Educating lawmakers and the public on the serious health and environmental consequences of PFAS exposure; and
• Securing historic federal investments in research, remediation, and prevention.

“In Bucks and Montgomery Counties, we have seen firsthand the devastating cost of PFAS contamination. Families across our community have lived with the fear that the water they drink, the schools their children attend, and the homes they live in may not be safe. That is unacceptable — and it demands action,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This fight is personal. It’s about protecting the people I represent, the neighbors I grew up with, and the future we owe to our children. Through the PFAS Task Force, I am doubling down on my commitment to deliver real solutions, real accountability, and a clean, safe future — not just for PA-1, but for every community across America facing this crisis.”

“In Michigan we know all too well the urgent, growing threat PFAS pose. It’s more important than ever we’re taking serious action in Congress to keep PFAS out of our homes, water, and environment, hold polluters accountable, and clean up existing contamination,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan PFAS Task Force to help educate our colleagues on this important issue, and work together across the aisle to advance legislation to protect Americans from the growing and urgent public health threat of forever chemicals.”

“Harmful PFAS contamination poses a direct threat to the health of our military families and surrounding communities in Virginia’s Second District,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I am proud to join my colleagues as a co-chair of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force to ensure every American has access to clean water and a healthy environment for generations to come. This is a public health crisis that requires immediate action and commonsense solutions.”